Former Yreka Miner football player John Durney: Proving it on the field

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By Bill ChoyDaily News Sports Editor

Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

By Bill ChoyDaily News Sports Editor

Posted Aug. 2, 2013 at 9:44 AM

By Bill ChoyDaily News Sports Editor

Posted Aug. 2, 2013 at 9:44 AM

WEED

John Durney has spent the past year preparing for his shot at being a key contributor with the College of the Siskiyous football team.

The former Yreka Miner gridiron standout at linebacker redshirted last year as a true freshman for the Eagles, who finished 10-1, which is one of the best marks in school history.

Durney used the redshirt year to absorb all he could during practice from the starters and coaching staff and went to work, putting on muscle and improving his speed in a bid to earn a starting spot and see the field for the Eagles this fall.

John said that he can't wait for the season to begin.

"I'm feeling great and I'm prepared," Durney said. "I know what to expect this year and I'm going to give it everything I've got."

COS begins fall camp on Friday, Aug. 12. The Eagles open the year on Sept. 7 at home versus College of the Redwoods of Eureka.

John said that the year in the system at COS has been a great benefit to him and believes he can earn a starting spot at outside linebacker after previously playing inside linebacker.

You need to have good speed to play the outside linebacker spot, so Durney said he has worked hard to get faster, which he believes will help him.

John said that he has bulked up to around 235-240 pounds on his 6-foot frame, compared to the 200 to 205 he was in high school.

Head coach Charlie Roche has been pleased with the progress Durney has made, as he worked on things he needed to improve on to become a better and more complete player. Coach Roche said that Durney has the potential to be a key contributor to the linebacking group, which was a strength of the team last year and returns a top performer from 2012 in Alex Henderson. A player COS must replace is linebacker Myke Tavarres, who is now a member of the Arkansas Razorbacks of the SEC.

Roche said that the team currently has 10 linebackers vying for playing time and Durney is certainly in the mix.

Roche likes that John has gained weight and speed, and showed "more toughness" during spring practice.

But, he empathized, the competition will be fierce at this position. Roche said that he is looking forward to fall camp and seeing what the linebacker group will do, and added that the players who give the team the best chance to win are going to be the ones who play. "I think he's gotten himself where he needs to be," Roche said about Durney. "Now it's up to him."

Durney has already received some notice and was mentioned along with Henderson as a linebacker to watch by JCGridirion.com.

Page 2 of 2 - While it was difficult at times not being able to play last year, Durney said it was worth it to become a more complete player.

"It was hard not to see the field at first," Durney said, "but I realized that it would help me out in the end."

John said he enjoyed working with the other players during practice, helping them prepare for game day and "helping make the other players better."

Durney appreciates how helpful his fellow linebackers were last fall and the way they were always available to talk about the position and give advice. Durney said though Tavvares was a star player, he was generous and always willing to offer tips and advice.

"He was a cool guy," Durney said. "He taught us that it's not about talent, but about how hard you work." This means, John said, to always give it your all at each and every practice and do the little things to get better like spending time in the weight room.

"He did above and beyond what he had to do," John said.

Durney said his goal is to start and have an impact this fall. He hopes to play well enough in his time at COS to eventually move on and play football on the 4-year level.

He added that he likes playing so close to home so his friends and family can watch him play.

John said that he has learned in the past year "what a big jump" it is from high school to college football, and how hard one has to work to succeed.

"Basically everyone is giving it their best," he said. "I've realized that on this level no one's going to go easy on you."

"I know I can step it up this year," Durney added, saying the bottom line is, "I'm ready to play."